AceShowbiz - I Play Rocky is an upcoming drama from Amazon MGM Studios that chronicles the making of the legendary Sylvester Stallone film, Rocky. The movie stars Anthony Ippolito as a young Stallone and highlights the inspiring journey of an unknown actor betting on himself to become the iconic boxing hero Rocky Balboa.

The film was unveiled in a major fashion during Amazon MGM Studio’s CinemaCon presentation in Las Vegas. Directed by Peter Farrelly, I Play Rocky is set to open nationwide in theaters on November 20, with an earlier limited release on November 13. The timing coincides with the 50th anniversary of the original Rocky, which debuted on November 21, 1976.

During the CinemaCon event, Farrelly appeared on stage alongside Ippolito and several young cast members, promising that the performances would “blow you away.” The presentation included exclusive first-look footage, showcasing Ippolito capturing Stallone’s unmistakable raspy voice and mannerisms. In the scene, Stallone explains he now goes by “Mike” because kids mocked his real name.

As the story unfolds, the young Stallone is told, "You don't got the looks to be a movie star, you talk like you've got rocks in your mouth," while struggling to break into acting. His girlfriend, portrayed by AnnaSophia Robb, encourages him to embrace his real name and write his own script. This pivotal moment leads Stallone to write Rocky and fight to play the lead role himself.

I Play Rocky follows his arduous quest to convince studio executives to cast him as Rocky Balboa. Despite intense training and self-doubt, he perseveres. The film’s emotional climax features the iconic Rocky score as Stallone’s character reflects, "This movie is about having a belief in yourself, it's about going the distance. I put my heart and soul on the page; if I'm not willing to live up to what I wrote, then what's the point? So do you believe in me, or not?"

Besides Ippolito and Robb, the cast includes Matt Dillon, P.J. Byrne, Toby Kebbell, Tracy Letts, Jay Duplass, Stephan James, Kiki Seto, Robert Morgan, Saul Stein, Trevor St. John, Erik Palladino, and Rob Demery. Ippolito has previously portrayed young versions of Hollywood icons, including Al Pacino in the Paramount limited series The Offer.

Rocky itself is one of the most celebrated and financially successful sports film franchises in history, grossing over $1.7 billion worldwide, including the modern Creed spin-offs. Stallone created and starred in the original 1976 film, which won the Oscar for Best Picture and has since become an enduring part of Hollywood lore.

I Play Rocky promises to deliver a compelling behind-the-scenes look at how a struggling actor’s determination and self-belief led to one of cinema’s most beloved characters. With its November release, the film will offer audiences a timely tribute to the enduring legacy of Rocky Balboa and the man who brought him to life.